Kentucky - Judge killed, sheriff arrested in Letcher County courthouse shooting - Sep. 19, 2024 # 4

[Teche]

Kentucky lawyer climbed out of alcoholism, launched a recovery boom

Tim Robinson is the head of Addiction Recovery Care, Kentucky's largest substance treatment provider. State officials say Robinson — a lawyer and recovered alcoholic — is a leader in Kentucky's fight against addiction.

www.wkms.org

7/2/24

A for-profit recovery center is concerning, especially the salary.

 

[twall]

Air date 08/26/2025

Sextortion Scandal and Judge Mullins' Murder | Vinnie Politan Investigates

Vinnie Politan investigates the sextortion scandal in Letcher County, Kentucky, and its possible connections to Sheriff Stines and the shooting of Judge Kevin Mullins.

www.courttv.com

 

[Seattle1]

Democrat Ned Pillersdorf launches campaign for 5th District

A key reason for his campaign, Pillersdorf said, is Rogers’ vote in favor of the just-passed Republican mega bill.

spectrumnews1.com

Pillersdorf is the attorney who filed the civil suit against Deputy Fields and Sheriff Stines in Jan 2022.

Also, I just noticed that per the Docket, Plaintiff Sabrina Adkins' Attorney Bethany Baxter withdrew as counsel from her case on 7/24/25. As of 8/23/25, there was no notice of representation filed.

CM/ECF U.S. Eastern District of Kentucky Version 6.3.2

ecf.kyed.uscourts.gov

 

[girlhasnoname]

Of course, but it's a component of his psychological state if he did what he did while aware of the cameras (especially considering how easily Stines could have found a more private venue to be alone with Mullins). MOO

Yes, they had just returned from having lunch together.

JMO

 

[Seattle1]

Commonwealth seeks change of venue in Shawn Stines trial

Prosecutors are asking for the trial of former sheriff Shawn 'Mickey' Stines, accused of killing a judge, to be moved from Letcher County.

www.courttv.com

9/2/25

In a petition filed Aug. 29, Commonwealth’s Attorney Jackie Steele argued that extensive media coverage and deep community connections to both men make it impossible for Stines to receive a fair trial in Letcher County or surrounding Eastern Kentucky counties.

“Every eligible voter in Letcher County either had a reason to vote for or against the defendant and the victim at one time,” prosecutors wrote in the filing. “The preconceived opinions as to the character and ability of these two men is likely to irreconcilably prejudice both the Commonwealth and the Defendant if this trial takes place in Letcher County.”

 

[girlhasnoname]

Commonwealth seeks change of venue in Shawn Stines trial

Prosecutors are asking for the trial of former sheriff Shawn 'Mickey' Stines, accused of killing a judge, to be moved from Letcher County.

www.courttv.com

9/2/25

In a petition filed Aug. 29, Commonwealth’s Attorney Jackie Steele argued that extensive media coverage and deep community connections to both men make it impossible for Stines to receive a fair trial in Letcher County or surrounding Eastern Kentucky counties.

“Every eligible voter in Letcher County either had a reason to vote for or against the defendant and the victim at one time,” prosecutors wrote in the filing. “The preconceived opinions as to the character and ability of these two men is likely to irreconcilably prejudice both the Commonwealth and the Defendant if this trial takes place in Letcher County.”

One of the few COV's I agree with.

 

[Seattle1]

One of the few COV's I agree with.

And the petition initiated by the Commonwealth-- this has to be a first!

 

[girlhasnoname]

And the petition initiated by the Commonwealth-- this has to be a first!

I can imagine that the Prosecution doesn't know exactly who to trust that close to home. Such a bizarre set of circumstances IMO.

 

[Smelly Squirrel]

Defense is opposing moving.

Former Kentucky sheriff fights venue change in judge murder case

The defense team for Shawn 'Mickey' Stines is pushing back on the Commonwealth's request to move the trial.

www.courttv.com

 

[girlhasnoname]

Defense is opposing moving.

Former Kentucky sheriff fights venue change in judge murder case

The defense team for Shawn 'Mickey' Stines is pushing back on the Commonwealth's request to move the trial.

www.courttv.com

Hah, we really are in the upside down world aren't we? I guess the Defense thinks the Sheriff has enough friends and clout to get a NG verdict? Wow

 

[tlcya]

Hah, we really are in the upside down world aren't we? I guess the Defense thinks the Sheriff has enough friends and clout to get a NG verdict? Wow

it's like that episode of Seinfeld The Bizarro Jerry, where everything and everyone is the exact opposite

 

[Ontario Mom]

Hah, we really are in the upside down world aren't we? I guess the Defense thinks the Sheriff has enough friends and clout to get a NG verdict? Wow

It sure seems to speak to the level of corruption going on there if defense thinks this way.
Based on the interviews already given by a few of the women, I have to wonder if folks think what he did, while horrible, ended a (decades? longer?) long time practice of sexual manipulation.

 

[Seattle1]

Defense is opposing moving.

Former Kentucky sheriff fights venue change in judge murder case

The defense team for Shawn 'Mickey' Stines is pushing back on the Commonwealth's request to move the trial.

www.courttv.com

From the quoted link:

However, the defense contends that only Stines faces prejudice from the coverage, noting that media reports typically begin with video of the shooting. They argue the Commonwealth gained an advantage by using the Letcher County grand jury to secure an indictment, but now seeks to move the trial when coverage appears more balanced.

Stines’ defense also filed an additional brief supporting their motion to dismiss the indictment, claiming prosecutors presented false and misleading testimony to the grand jury that led to his charges.

In the motion, the defense argues that Kentucky State Police Detective Clayton Stamper gave false testimony when he told grand jurors that the investigation showed Stines was “in his sane mind” at the time of the shooting.

ETA: I saw a clip last week on YT where four KSP had just retired-- including the lead detective Clayton Stamper!

 

[OldAce]

From the quoted link:

However, the defense contends that only Stines faces prejudice from the coverage, noting that media reports typically begin with video of the shooting. They argue the Commonwealth gained an advantage by using the Letcher County grand jury to secure an indictment, but now seeks to move the trial when coverage appears more balanced.

Stines’ defense also filed an additional brief supporting their motion to dismiss the indictment, claiming prosecutors presented false and misleading testimony to the grand jury that led to his charges.

In the motion, the defense argues that Kentucky State Police Detective Clayton Stamper gave false testimony when he told grand jurors that the investigation showed Stines was “in his sane mind” at the time of the shooting.

ETA: I saw a clip last week on YT where four KSP had just retired-- including the lead detective Clayton Stamper!

The vise of truth; and some people growing a spine, has really changed the landscape here. There is bound to be a wide ranging look at many in LE due to what has now come out. If everyone knew, why did not other levels of LE make an
effort to bring to light. State police or some federal branch.The FBI was associated.

I think there were / are many other levels of KY government officials aware and turning a blind eye, or benefiting in some way from the exposed activity. To many people involved and there is bound to be some money changing hands. Sex is casual, but money and political power builds an empire. Who or what entity gained most from this control and exploitation of drug users.
As actual trial looms closer, there may be some weak sisters decide to get on the freedom side of any repercussions.
I would not be surprised that many will retire or decide to take a position before this gets in front of a jury.

 

[KentuckyFilly79]

This has got to be one of the most, if not the most, bizarre cases going on in the country right now. Just when you think it couldn't get any stranger...

 

[worm]

The vise of truth; and some people growing a spine, has really changed the landscape here. There is bound to be a wide ranging look at many in LE due to what has now come out. If everyone knew, why did not other levels of LE make an
effort to bring to light. State police or some federal branch.The FBI was associated.

I think there were / are many other levels of KY government officials aware and turning a blind eye, or benefiting in some way from the exposed activity. To many people involved and there is bound to be some money changing hands. Sex is casual, but money and political power builds an empire. Who or what entity gained most from this control and exploitation of drug users.
As actual trial looms closer, there may be some weak sisters decide to get on the freedom side of any repercussions.
I would not be surprised that many will retire or decide to take a position before this gets in front of a jury.

One sad element of this is that I’m sure there are at least some honest officials who are going to get painted with the corruption brush with the rest.

 

[OldAce]

One sad element of this is that I’m sure there are at least some honest officials who are going to get painted with the corruption brush with the rest.

True.

 

[outback]

Wife of Kentucky sheriff sheds light on rumors about slain judge

Sheriff Shawn 'Mickey' Stines has been behind bars awaiting trial since the September 14 death of his longtime friend, District Judge Kevin Mullins.

www.dailymail.co.uk

 

[Seattle1]

Warning -- clickbait headline by DM but news of active state of psychosis following the shooting is new:

The court records - which were released and obtained by The Lexington Herald Leader before being sealed - also shed new light on Stines' mental health immediately after the shooting.

A medical report from Leslie County Detention Center staff revealed he was still in a state of 'active psychosis' for days after the shooting.

The September 23 report read: 'Upon evaluation of Mr. Stines, it appears that he is still in an active state of psychosis.'

'He appears disoriented and is only aware of things jail staff tell him. He has no recollection of the recent past.'

Wife of Kentucky sheriff sheds light on rumors about slain judge

Sheriff Shawn 'Mickey' Stines has been behind bars awaiting trial since the September 14 death of his longtime friend, District Judge Kevin Mullins.

www.dailymail.co.uk

 

[worm]

I think Stines is acting and I’d bet that he “recalls” recent events as well as he knows more than what jail staff tell him. This is just more greasing of the skids for some mental defense.